Ahlers AG

Earnings Release • Oct 12, 2011

News Details

Corporate | 12 October 2011 10:32

Ahlers AG: Ahlers reports 11 percent sales growth and 55 percent earnings growth for the first nine months of fiscal 2010/11. Good order situation for H1 2012.

Ahlers AG / Key word(s): Interim Report/Quarter Results

12.10.2011 / 10:32

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October 12, 2011

PRESS RELEASE

Ahlers reports 11 percent sales growth and 55 percent earnings growth for the first nine months of fiscal 2010/11. Good order situation for H1 2012.

The Ahlers fashion group reported a 16 percent increase in sales revenues from continued operations in a strong third quarter 2011, demonstrating a further improvement of its business performance. Revenues from continued operations for the first nine months of the fiscal year were up by 10.7 percent to EUR 197 million (previous year: EUR 178 million; EUR 186 million incl. Jupiter Shirts).

All brands in the Premium and Jeans & Workwear segments grew at double-digit rates. Baldessarini reported the strongest growth, but Pierre Cardin, Otto Kern, Pioneer Jeans and Workwear also grew at impressive rates. Overall, the Premium segment expanded by 14 percent, compared to 12 percent for the Jeans & Workwear segment. Revenues from Ahlers' own Retail activities totalled EUR 17.2 million at the nine-month stage, up 13 percent on the previous year. Revenues generated in the company's own stores represent 8.7 percent of total sales revenues (previous year: 8.2 percent).

Consolidated income after taxes increased by 55 percent or EUR 4.1 million to EUR 11.6 million (previous year: EUR 7.5 million). This was primarily due to the additional profit contributions made by the increased revenues and, to a minor extent, to the non-recurrence of one-time effects. EBIT before one-time effects, which are an important indicator, rose by 26 percent to EUR 17.1 million (previous year: EUR 13.6 million).

After the successful third quarter, the Management Board confirmed the projections for the full year 2010/11. Management projects an increase in sales revenues of approx. 10 percent (+5 to +6 percent incl. Jupiter Shirts). Consolidated income after taxes should grow by at least 15 percent (previous year: EUR 8.5 million) from today's point of view.

Pre-sales for the spring/summer season 2012 are up on the previous year by a medium single-digit percentage. Growth was achieved in Germany and abroad and especially in the Premium segment. The Ahlers Management Board is therefore optimistic that growing revenues and good results will be achieved also in 2011/12.

Summary of Ahlers Group figures:

in EUR millions	Q1-Q3 2010/11	Q1-Q3 2009/10	Change in %
Sales revenues – continued operations	197.2	178.1	10.7
– incl. Jupiter Shirts	197.9	186.2	6.3
EBIT before special effects	17.1	13.6	25.7
EBIT margin (in %)	8.6	7.3
Net income before taxes	16.7	11.6	44.0
after taxes	11.6	7.5	54.7
Cash flow from operating activities	-10.5	-1.0	>-100
Employees (August 31)	2,263	2,209	2.4
Equity ratio (in %)	57.3	58.5

End of Corporate News

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Language:	English
Company:	Ahlers AG
	Elverdisser Straße 313
	32052 Herford
	Germany
Phone:	+49 (0)5221 979-0
Fax:	+49 (0)5221 70058
E-mail:	ahlers-ag@ahlers-ag.com
Internet:	www.ahlers-ag.com
ISIN:	DE0005009708, DE0005009732
WKN:	500970, 500973
Listed:	Regulierter Markt in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart

End of News	DGAP News-Service

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142030  12.10.2011